Northern Thailand
Multi-Activity Adventure

The Northern Thailand region near to the city of Chiang Mai offers
excellent possibilities to combine Trekking, Mountain Biking and White-water Rafting.
This itinerary combines all three activities, divided into three distinct sections.

Mountain Trek Section
Doi Chiangdao mountain range lies North of Chiangmai. The area is home of many ethnic hilltribe villages, down to the west of the mountain where flows the Mae Tang river through scenic forest and valley. This adventurous and strenuous mountain will take participants across the mountain range, down to the Maetang River valley on trails that are regularly used by villagers. Trekkers will enjoy scenic views from the mountain as a long part of the hike is on the mountain ridges.

Mountain Biking Section
On our mountain biking trip we stay good quality selected hotels, usually blending Northern Thai style with comfort. Sometimes we stay with a family in a hill-tribe village. Food is taken at local restaurants or in the hotel. We provide well maintained quality Shimano equipped mountain bikes. We carry different bikes, mostly 21 speed Shimano STX range with front suspension. Spare parts and tools are taken along in our escort vehicle. Our bikes should fit persons from 130cm to 195cm and frames sizes range between 16" and 20".

Rafting Section
Rafting expeditions in a tropical climate are simply great. No need for thermal wetsuits as the water is lukewarm. Lush tropical jungle, wild rivers, bamboo campsites, Thai smiles and gourmet food, as well as the likelihood of spotting wild animals, should make this the trip of a lifetime. We use strong hypalon self-bailing rafts. All safety equipment such as life jackets and helmets is provided. We use watertight containers, which are always readily accessible, while on the rafts as well as sturdy dry bags to keep participants' belongings dry

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London
We depart from London for our overnight flight to Bangkok

Day 2 Arrive Bangkok - Transfer to Chiang Mai
We arrive in Bangkok and transfer to a domestic flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival we transfer to our central and comfortable hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Trek - Chiang Dao Valley
After breakfast we depart by covered truck to Chiang Dao valley. Proceed to the Chiang Dao Elephant training centre to watch the demonstration of elephant at work. After the show, enjoy an elephant-back ride around the valley (1 hour) before driving up the mountain to our trek starting point. Begin our hike (1 hour) mostly uphill, to reach a village where we will have a picnic lunch. Continue for another two hours hike on forested trails to reach our overnight destination. Overnight as guests of a village family in their traditional wooden house. A traditional Thai dinner will be cooked by your guides.

Day 4 Trek to Lahu Village
After breakfast, we will begin today's hike. We walk the mountain ridges on well-marked trails along scenic views and amid deep jungle. Picnic lunch en route. Eventually reach a tiny Lahu village on the top of the mountain overlooking the valley. Simple bamboo hut accommodation. Your guide will cook dinner. Participants should be ready to walk for about 6 hours on undulating terrain.

Day 5 Trek Mae Tang River Valley
After breakfast, walk through the forest around two hours, mostly downhill to reach the Maetang river valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the bank of the Mae Tang river at a local campsite. After lunch, we experience bamboo rafting on a peaceful river before transfer back to Chiang Mai and drop off at your hotel.

Day 6 Chiang Mai - Chiangdao
After breakfast we drive north to the Chiangdao region. En route we stop at an elephant camp in jungle where we can watch elephants bathing and demonstrating their skills. We explore the Chiangdao caves, followed by lunch in local restaurant. Then we start our bike ride through rural back roads first, continuing on off-road trails, across a pristine landscape leading to small hill tribe villages. Visit Lahu, Lisu and Akha villages, and discover the Palaung people from Myanmar (only a few settlements in northern Thailand). Finish cycling at Palaung village where we spend the night as guests of the village headman's family. Excellent Thai dinner served by your guides.

Day 7 Chiang Dao-Thaton
Intense and fantastic cycle tour through nature! However, the route is not too difficult and the escort vehicle is always nearby. After breakfast, ride exciting trails (30 km) then onto paved road. Lunch stop and visit Buddhist forest temple and caves. Afternoon cycling around 25 km, mostly off road, then car transfer to Ban Thaton for overnight stay on the banks of Maekok river, near the Burmese border. Night and dinner at hotel. (30 to 60 km cycling / 18 to 38 miles)

Day 8 Thaton-Chiang Rai
Early morning, after breakfast, we cycle through the Maekok river valley, past rice fields and plantations. Then we follow an exciting riverside trail. Next we ride a local longtail boat downriver. We continue cycling to a Karen village on the riverbanks. We proceed by bike or transfer by car to our Chiang Rai hotel. Evening and dinner free at leisure. (45 to 60 km cycling / 28 to 38 miles)

Day 9 Chiang Rai
Cycling itinerary is flexible today and to some extent depends on the season. Cycle out of town and follow the river to discover exciting new trails. Cycle up the mountain to a waterfall and down another route. Lunch, relax and shower at waterfall, before car transfer back to Chiang Mai (3 hours). Arrive around 7pm and drop off at hotel. (cycle between 20 to 40 km / 12 to 24 miles)

Day 10 Chiang Mai - Pai
From Chiang Mai we transfer by air conditioned vehicle on mountain roads to Pai valley, passing through spectacular scenery. Reach our overnight place, a peaceful resort in the Pai valley. Afternoon is free for you to discover this charming small town. Dinner and overnight at resort.

Day 11 Rafting
Morning at leisure until 09.30. Transfer to the starting point of your rafting adventure. Equipment preparation, and basic introduction on safety and paddling techniques. Board the rafts and paddle down river, making a stop for lunch and a swim at the Suza Waterfall. The river cuts through beautiful scenery and takes you to our jungle camp where you will spend the night. Dinner at the camp is prepared by your guides.

Day 12 Rafting - Mae Hong Son - Chiangmai
After breakfast, board the rafts and continue downstream to meet the larger Pai River. As you come to the junction, the river gets bigger with more swells -- this is where the action begins! Raft through a number of different sets of rapids. Picnic lunch on the river bank. Mid-afternoon pull in to the river bank where rafting ends. From there we return back to our hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 13 Depart from Chiang Mai
The morning and afternoon will be free at leisure. In the evening we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London via a change of aircraft in Bangkok. Day 14 Arrive London We arrive into London in the morning